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KCUR and Classical KC just lost federal funding. Here's what to know and how to help.
Ending federal funding for public media will have an immediate and drastic effect on KCUR and Classical KC. Here are the latest updates, plus what you can do to help.
www.kcur.org
Congress has eliminated all federal funding for public media. And now Kansas City’s public broadcasters need YOU. https://loom.ly/pvwG3Dc
University of Illinois researchers analyzed traces of DNA in rivers and streams to learn how strips of trees near water — called riparian buffers — impact land species.
This conservation practice boosts wildlife species on farmland, new research finds
University of Illinois researchers analyzed traces of DNA in rivers and streams to learn how strips of trees near water — called riparian buffers — impact land species.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
University of Illinois researchers analyzed traces of DNA in rivers and streams to learn how strips of trees near water — called riparian buffers — impact land species.
In the last year, the Trump administration had far-reaching negative impacts on American science, according to interviews with 14 scientists in eight states who work across a wide swath of research fields, including academic institutions and federal agencies.
Scientists say Trump's second term has been defined by slashed funding, layoffs and uncertainty
Scientists in the middle of the country told Harvest Public Media that 2025 was a year of major changes and uncertainty.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 5:04 PM
In the last year, the Trump administration had far-reaching negative impacts on American science, according to interviews with 14 scientists in eight states who work across a wide swath of research fields, including academic institutions and federal agencies.
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court urged states to adopt policies streamlining the process for allowing spiritual advisers into execution chambers. Missouri still hasn't. (@themarshallproject.org)
How Missouri denied condemned men spiritual advisers at their deaths
We're talking about constitutional rights in someone's dying moments, one advocate said.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court urged states to adopt policies streamlining the process for allowing spiritual advisers into execution chambers. Missouri still hasn't. (@themarshallproject.org)
On Saturday afternoon hundreds attended a vigil at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City to honor individuals who died at the hands of ICE. This vigil came after former Kansas City resident Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier in the week.
Kansas Citians hold a vigil to remember Renee Good and protest ICE: 'A real escalation of violence'
Hundreds gathered at the Country Club Plaza to remember people who died at the hands of ICE, and the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. The vigil featured clergy, social justice organizations, immigrants and their descendants.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:04 PM
On Saturday afternoon hundreds attended a vigil at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City to honor individuals who died at the hands of ICE. This vigil came after former Kansas City resident Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier in the week.
The Chiefs want to build a nearly $1 billion headquarters in Olathe, but the project still needs the city council's approval — because Olathe must chip in a portion of local sales tax revenues to help fund it. (@johnsoncountypost.bsky.social)
Before the Chiefs move to Kansas, Olathe must first make big decisions on public funding
The Chiefs want to build a nearly $1 billion headquarters in Olathe, but the project still needs the city council's approval — because Olathe must chip in a portion of local sales tax revenues to help fund it.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The Chiefs want to build a nearly $1 billion headquarters in Olathe, but the project still needs the city council's approval — because Olathe must chip in a portion of local sales tax revenues to help fund it. (@johnsoncountypost.bsky.social)
Over the course of 10 days, abortion providers, anti-abortion doctors, patients, and others with ties to reproductive health care are expected to testify in front of Judge Jerri Zhang on the impacts of the state’s so-called TRAP laws, or targeted regulations of abortion providers.
Missouri trial over abortion restrictions begins, more than a year after voters overturned ban
Missouri voters enshrined the right to an abortion in 2024, but several abortion restrictions remain state law. A Jackson County judge temporarily blocked those laws, and Planned Parenthood is now seeking to permanently strike those laws to ease abortion access.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Over the course of 10 days, abortion providers, anti-abortion doctors, patients, and others with ties to reproductive health care are expected to testify in front of Judge Jerri Zhang on the impacts of the state’s so-called TRAP laws, or targeted regulations of abortion providers.
Abortion rights advocates head to court today in a trial that will determine if Missouri’s existing restrictions violate Amendment 3 and the state constitution.
Missouri to begin trial over whether abortion restrictions violate state constitution
Abortion rights advocates are headed to trial next week to argue that Missouri’s regulations on reproductive health care violate the state’s constitution. The passage of Amendment 3 in 2024 protects the right to abortion care, but existing regulations and legal challenges have made access limited.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Abortion rights advocates head to court today in a trial that will determine if Missouri’s existing restrictions violate Amendment 3 and the state constitution.
The Sporting KC training facility, the KC Current training facility and Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas, are all options for World Cup countries to make their base camp.
3 World Cup teams could make Kansas City or Lawrence their base camp. Here's what we know
Kansas City and other World Cup host cities are eagerly waiting to learn where teams will set up their base camps for the 2026 tournament. The locations would serve as a place where teams can practice and train.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:05 PM
The Sporting KC training facility, the KC Current training facility and Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas, are all options for World Cup countries to make their base camp.
For the last five years, Kansas City has been transforming street infrastructure and redesigning roads through the Vision Zero program. Advocates applaud the progress, but want to see even more money dedicated to underserved neighborhoods.
Kansas City saw traffic deaths drop by 30% in 2025. Its effort to make roads safer is working
For the last five years, Kansas City has been transforming street infrastructure and redesigning roads through the Vision Zero program. Advocates applaud the progress, but want to see even more money dedicated to underserved neighborhoods.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
For the last five years, Kansas City has been transforming street infrastructure and redesigning roads through the Vision Zero program. Advocates applaud the progress, but want to see even more money dedicated to underserved neighborhoods.
If you’ve been sick with a nasty respiratory virus in the past few weeks, or know someone who is, you’re unfortunately in very good company. Kansas City is getting hit hard by an unexpected new flu variant.
Kansas City hit by a new ‘super flu’ variant causing a surge of cases
Approximately 80% of active flu cases are an unexpected strain of Influenza A virus that health officials are calling a super flu. The Kansas City area has seen a dramatic spike in cases in recent weeks.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:02 PM
If you’ve been sick with a nasty respiratory virus in the past few weeks, or know someone who is, you’re unfortunately in very good company. Kansas City is getting hit hard by an unexpected new flu variant.
Today, if you drive across western Kansas on a windy day, you will often see not a lonely tumbleweed, but a swarm of them crossing the highway or congregating along a fence by the road.
Tumbleweeds can be so bad in Kansas that they bury homes and cause fire danger
Tumbleweeds have taken over the High Plains. They thrive so well that they are part of the culture of the West. But this ample supply of blowing weeds can hurt farm yields, wreak havoc on neighborhoods and cause fire dangers.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Today, if you drive across western Kansas on a windy day, you will often see not a lonely tumbleweed, but a swarm of them crossing the highway or congregating along a fence by the road.
The 2026 Kansas legislative session is set to begin tomorrow. Possible topics for the upcoming session include budget cuts, as Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly supports maintaining fiscal health while some Republican lawmakers push for lower taxes.
What can Kansas voters expect from lawmakers in 2026? Here’s a preview
With the new Kansas legislative session starting on January 12, lawmakers could tackle bills pertaining to budget cuts, taxes, school reform and more before election campaigns start in the summer.
www.kcur.org
January 12, 2026 at 12:01 AM
The 2026 Kansas legislative session is set to begin tomorrow. Possible topics for the upcoming session include budget cuts, as Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly supports maintaining fiscal health while some Republican lawmakers push for lower taxes.
Moving the Chiefs to Kansas will spur economic development, but the complexity and lack of details about the deal make it difficult to determine what taxpayers will ultimately pay. (@kansasreflector.com)
What will the Chiefs' move cost Kansas? A complex deal leaves massive unknowns
The state of Kansas will likely pay between $3-4 billion in taxpayer money to move the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines. While the new stadium will definitely generate new economic activity, the project's success may depend on local cities participating in the STAR bond district.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Moving the Chiefs to Kansas will spur economic development, but the complexity and lack of details about the deal make it difficult to determine what taxpayers will ultimately pay. (@kansasreflector.com)
Treat yourself to images of exuberance
and artistry with these photos showing the best of the best on ice!
and artistry with these photos showing the best of the best on ice!
Photos: U.S. Figure Skating Championships brings artistry to the ice in St. Louis
The country's top figure skaters are going toe to toe for a chance to land a spot in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics next month. Check out the scene from inside one of the country's largest figure skating stages.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Treat yourself to images of exuberance
and artistry with these photos showing the best of the best on ice!
and artistry with these photos showing the best of the best on ice!
Kansas State University and Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills are working on an affordable house in Ogden, Kansas, that will use hemp insulation to keep its residents warm in winter and cool in summer.
This Kansas house being built with hemp is designed to keep down electricity bills
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s agriculture business grows hemp without irrigation, insecticides or plowing. Now its product is helping to build a home in Ogden.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Kansas State University and Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills are working on an affordable house in Ogden, Kansas, that will use hemp insulation to keep its residents warm in winter and cool in summer.
Among other things, the judge said:
“Not a single deadline imposed by the court was met.” Via Missouri Independent
“Not a single deadline imposed by the court was met.” Via Missouri Independent
Judge sanctions Missouri prisons in inmate wrongful death case for 'deliberate disregard’ of orders
A judge wrote that the Missouri attorney general’s office “repeatedly offered excuses ranging from secretarial blame to Dropbox malfunctions and staffing issues and failed to meet multiple court deadlines. The lawsuit was filed by the mother of 27-year-old Jahi Hynes, who died by suicide in a Missouri prison.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Among other things, the judge said:
“Not a single deadline imposed by the court was met.” Via Missouri Independent
“Not a single deadline imposed by the court was met.” Via Missouri Independent
The beer and music festival debuted as a two-day event in the West Bottoms, and grew into one of the region’s signature events, moving to the Stockyards District then Crown Center. Organizers say the festival will not return for another season.
Boulevardia, Kansas City's biggest music festival, is ending after 10 years of shows
The beer and music festival debuted as a two-day event in the West Bottoms, and grew into one of the region’s signature events, moving to the Stockyards District then Crown Center. Organizers say the festival will not return for another season.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
The beer and music festival debuted as a two-day event in the West Bottoms, and grew into one of the region’s signature events, moving to the Stockyards District then Crown Center. Organizers say the festival will not return for another season.
Because they are located in remote parts of the country, rural hospitals have fewer patients. But operating costs — like necessary staff and equipment — are the same as for hospitals in more populated areas. Via The Beacon News
Kansas has more rural hospitals at risk of closing than any other state. Missouri is among worst 10
The Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform, a national policy organization, found 68 rural Kansas hospitals are at risk of closing, including 30 at immediate risk. Revenue isn’t keeping up with costs.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Because they are located in remote parts of the country, rural hospitals have fewer patients. But operating costs — like necessary staff and equipment — are the same as for hospitals in more populated areas. Via The Beacon News
The KU basketball program has only had eight coaches in its more-than-125-year history, and David said he was able to interview all four living coaches.
A Lawrence author gives an inside look at 40 years of KU basketball history
In the new book “Stories From the Phog: Forty Years of Kansas Basketball,” Lawrence native and author Chelan David examines the history, traditions, failures and successes of the Jayhawks through the perspective of fans, coaching staff and players.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 4:01 PM
The KU basketball program has only had eight coaches in its more-than-125-year history, and David said he was able to interview all four living coaches.
The facility offers adaptive fitness, inclusive group training and accessible coworking areas, aiming to create a sense of belonging for all who enter through its doors. By Startland News
This new midtown Kansas City gym is designed for people with physical disabilities
INCLŪSIV Wellness at 4142 Main St. offers adaptive fitness, inclusive group training and accessible coworking areas. It was created by Wesley Hamilton, who has used a wheelchair since being shot in 2012.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 3:01 PM
The facility offers adaptive fitness, inclusive group training and accessible coworking areas, aiming to create a sense of belonging for all who enter through its doors. By Startland News
“Renee Good was not doing anything wrong, anything illegal, anything inciting, and who died just for existing in a dangerous space of ICE." - Vigil speaker
Kansas Citians hold a vigil to remember Renee Good and protest ICE actions
Hundreds gathered to remember people who died at the hands of ICE. The vigil featured clergy, social justice organizations, immigrants and their descendants.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 2:01 PM
“Renee Good was not doing anything wrong, anything illegal, anything inciting, and who died just for existing in a dangerous space of ICE." - Vigil speaker
The newly released state data shows it’s the second consecutive year abortions in Kansas have exceeded annual numbers prior to 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Kansas clinics drew more than 15,000 patients from out of state for abortions in 2024
The newly released state data shows it’s the second consecutive year abortions in Kansas have exceeded annual numbers prior to 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 2:00 AM
The newly released state data shows it’s the second consecutive year abortions in Kansas have exceeded annual numbers prior to 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Missouri's legislative session began this week, but Senate Democrats are still irate over how the GOP cut off debate last year — pushing through legislation to redraw congressional maps, ban abortion and repeal paid sick leave. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
Missouri lawmakers return with low expectations and hard feelings over redistricting and abortion
Missouri Senate Democrats say they're still irate over how the GOP cut off debate last year — pushing through legislation to redraw congressional maps, ban abortion and repeal paid sick leave.
www.kcur.org
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Missouri's legislative session began this week, but Senate Democrats are still irate over how the GOP cut off debate last year — pushing through legislation to redraw congressional maps, ban abortion and repeal paid sick leave. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
The Kansas City Chiefs are moving across the state line to Kansas, largely thanks to stadium funding coming from STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bonds. Introduced in 1999, Kansas has used the bonds to secure large development projects by promising future tax revenue to investors.
Kansas used STAR bonds to lure the Chiefs. How do these tax incentives work?
Kansas lawmakers are offering billions in tax incentives to build a new domed stadium and convince the Chiefs to leave Missouri. University of Kansas associate professor Zachary Mohr joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how STAR bonds work, and what risks and benefits come with using them.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 10:00 PM
The Kansas City Chiefs are moving across the state line to Kansas, largely thanks to stadium funding coming from STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bonds. Introduced in 1999, Kansas has used the bonds to secure large development projects by promising future tax revenue to investors.
They've been ghosted by recruiters. There seem to be fewer jobs. They're worried about paying down their students loans.
“We just feel like the door is being closed in front of us."
“We just feel like the door is being closed in front of us."
Recent college graduates face a world with fewer jobs — and loan payments are due soon
As job creation slowed through most of 2025, Midwestern college graduates — and those approaching graduation — describe a competitive, unusual job market that makes them question their self-worth.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 9:00 PM
They've been ghosted by recruiters. There seem to be fewer jobs. They're worried about paying down their students loans.
“We just feel like the door is being closed in front of us."
“We just feel like the door is being closed in front of us."